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Objective To clarify whether antiparkinsonian drugs contribute to nocturnal sleep disturbances in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Background Although the major antiparkinsonian drugs L-dopa and dopamine agonists (DAs) have been found to affect sleep, little is known about the effects of specific drugs on sleep in PD patients. Methods The study participants consisted of 112 PD patients (median age 72.5 years [inter-quartile range: IQR 65–79]; mean disease duration 8.44 years [standard deviation: 7.33]; median Hoehn and Yahr stage 3 [IQR 2–3.75]) taking one of three types of non-ergot extended-release DAs (rotigotine 32; pramipexole 44; ropinirole 36) with or without L-dopa (median daily total dosage of antiparkinsonian drugs 525.5 mg [IQR 376.25–658] levodopa equivalent dose [LED]). Participants were assessed using the PD Sleep Scale-2 (PDSS-2). Results For the whole PD patient cohort, the PDSS-2 sleep disturbance domain score and the scores for item 1 assessing sleep quality and item 8 assessing nocturia were positively correlated with daily total dosage of antiparkinsonian drugs and dosage of L-dopa, but not with the dosage of DAs. Sub-analysis according to DA treatment revealed that DA dosage was not correlated with item 1 or 8 score in any of the subgroups. The LED ratio of rotigotine to the total dosage of antiparkinsonian drugs was inversely correlated with the item 1 score. Conclusions These data suggest that antiparkinsonian drugs, in particular L-dopa, adversely affect nocturnal sleep in PD patients, especially in terms of sleep quality and nocturia. Thus, adjusting both the total dosage of antiparkinsonian drugs and the dose-ratio of L-dopa might be key actions for alleviating poor sleep quality in patients with PD. Among DAs, we found a clear positive correlation between the dose-ratio of rotigotine and sleep quality. Thus, partial L-dopa replacement with rotigotine could improve sleep quality in patients with PD.

The identification of alkali-rich components in extraterrestrial materials along with their separation from other constituents is indispensable for subsequent cosmochemical and isotopic studies. This paper presents a simple pre-screening method for such materials by autoradiography using imaging plates (IPs), which is applicable to identification of mm-sized samples containing ca. 30 µg of potassium in the Yamato-74442 chondrite. The detection limit of IPs was ~1 mBq of 40K under 49 days exposure. The method provides an opportunity to screen meteorite materials non-destructively and to inexpensively check potassium-rich areas and are suitable for the 40K–40Ca and 40K–40Ar (39Ar–40Ar) age determinations.

We present a dataset for boron and other trace element contents obtained from samples from 13 volcanoes distributed along the Quaternary volcanic front of the Southern Volcanic Zone (SVZ) of the Chilean Andes. The dataset shows constraints on the nature of slab-derived component to mantle source. Analyzed samples show large negative Nb and Ta anomalies, and enrichment of alkaline earth elements and Pb, which are features of typical island arc volcanic rocks. Boron contents of SVZ volcanic rocks range 2.3‐125.5 ppm, exhibiting marked enrichment relative to N-MORB and OIB. Both the boron contents and B/Nb ratios of the volcanic rocks increase from the southern SVZ (SSVZ) to central SVZ (CSVZ). Fluid mobile/immobile element ratios (B/Nb, Ba/Nb, Pb/Nb, and K/Nb) are used to examine slab-derived component to mantle source. Trace element compositions of altered oceanic crust (AOC)-derived fluid, sediment-derived fluid, and sediment melt are modeled. Mantle sources of volcanic rocks in CSVZ with high B/Nb ratios were contaminated by both AOC-derived and sediment-derived fluids. In contrast, mantle sources of volcanic rocks in SSVZ with a low B/Nb ratio were contaminated with ca. 3 wt% melt of subducted sediment, which had suffered from loss of boron during progressive devolatilization before melting.

The accretion rate of micrometeorites (MMs) was estimated from Ir contents in snow around Dome Fuji Station and ice shards obtained during ice core drilling at Dome Fuji Station, Antarctica. The snow and ice shards were melted and filtered from the residues. Although MMs were not found on filters, we tried to detect them from the residues as Ir peaks determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Although Ir is very rare in the earth’s crust, its concentration is high in extraterrestrial matter (e.g., chondrites). Trace amounts of Ir can be easily detected by INAA, because the cross section of Ir is relatively large (e.g., 309 barn). The accretion rates were estimated for 120k year ago, 5k year ago and at present, as (3.2 ± 0.9) × 102 t/year (8.6 ± 0.18) × 103 t/year and (1.3 ± 0.10) × 103 t/year, respectively. These estimates were comparable to those of previous studies, however the rate of 120k year ago was approximately an order of magnitudes lower than the others.

Neutron induced prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) is applied for determining boron contents in volcanic rocks, which is an important element in the discussion of material circulation in volcanic arc systems. To evaluate the recycling of oceanic crust in Kyushu, we analyzed boron and other trace element contents in basaltic rocks from the area. The basalts from volcanic front have high B/Nb (2.9–3.7), B/Zr (0.1–0.2) and B/Sm (2.8–6.0) ratios, whereas those ratios in the basalts from backarc are extremely low (

Northern Kyushu, characterized by the subduction of two oceanic slabs (a hot Shikoku basin and a cold Philippine Sea plate) beneath the Eurasian plate, forms a complex portion of Southwestern Japan arc. In order to evaluate the effect of slab-derived fluids from these two contrasting oceanic plates, we determined the boron (B) contents in basaltic rocks from ten volcanoes and three old volcanic fields which erupted since 11 Ma. Since B is distinctly concentrated into slab-derived fluids among the earth's materials, we attempted to estimate the influences of subduction on the sub-arc mantle composition from the interpretation of the B data in basaltic rocks. Old (11–6 Ma) basaltic rocks contain low ratios of B/Sm (0.5–1.3), B/Zr (0.02–0.05) and B/Nb (0.2–0.5), suggesting little influence of subduction. Similarly, backarc basaltic rocks occurring throughout the observed period show little influence of subduction. In contrast, volcanic products from young Aso volcano, located at the volcanic front, show a strong influence of subduction, as indicated by the high B/Sm (1.6–4.3), B/Zr (0.07–0.16) and B/Nb (1.4–3.7) ratios. After 6 Ma, the volcanic arc segment containing Aso volcano is associated with the subduction of the cold Philippine Sea plate; hence a B-rich fluid was probably added to the sub-arc mantle. However, Yufu, Tsurumi and Kuju volcanoes, which are located at the same volcanic front, show small B/Sm (0.9–1.9), B/Zr (0.04–0.07) and B/Nb (0.5–0.9) ratios. This implies that the subduction of the hot Shikoku basin released fluids from the slab at shallow depths; therefore it is depleted of B and other subduction components by the time it reaches the volcanic front.

Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis was applied to the determination of the titanium, potassium, samarium and gadolinium contents of nine Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ) reference materials (JB-1, 1a, 2, 3; JA-1, 2, 3; JR-1, 2). Firstly, the values in JB-1 were determined by the standard addition method: pressed powder disks of JB-1 were used for neutron irradiation and gamma-ray measurements, after known quantities of standard reagents had been added. Secondly, the contents of eight other reference materials were determined by comparison methods using JB-1 as the comparative standard. The precision of analyses were obtained by replicate determinations on these samples. The relative standard deviation was generally less than 5%. For most samples, analysed values agreed well (< 5%) with the recommended values. L'analyse par activation neutronique et comptage des particules gamma rapide a ete appliquee a la determination des concentrations en titane, potassium, samarium et gadolinium de neuf materiaux de reference du Service Geologique du Japon (GSJ) : (JB-1, 1a, 2, 3; JA-1, 2, 3; JR-1, 2). Tout d'abord les teneurs dans JB-1 ont ete determinees par la technique de l'addition de standard : des pastilles de poudre compressee de JB-1 ont ete irradiees par un flux neutronique puis la mesure des emissions gamma, a ete effectuee apres que des quantites connues de reactifs standards aient ete ajoutees. Ensuite les teneurs dans les huit autres ont ete determinees en utilisant JB-1 comme standard de calibration. La precision des analyses a ete determinee en dupliquant les analyses de ces echantillons. Les deviations standard relatives etaient generalement de moins de 5%. Pour la plupart des echantillons les teneurs determinees sont en bon accord (< 5%) avec les valeurs recommandees.

Magnesian igneous enclaves showing sub-angular shape and up to 2 m in the maximum dimension were found from granodiorite in the Dorogawa pluton, the northernmost pluton of the Ohmine granitic rocks in Kii peninsula, southwest Japan. Igneous enclaves are composed mainly of plagioclase and hornblende, as phenocrysts, and of plagioclase, hornblende, quartz, and biotite as groundmass minerals. They also contain hydrous mafic mineral aggregates consisting of chlorite, actinolite, and biotite with rare chromian spinel microcrystals. Their whole rock compositions were characterized by high MgO content (5.8-7.0 wt%), low FeO*/MgO ratio (0.80-0.92), high Cr (256-346 ppm), and Ni (81-138 ppm) contents. Patterns of trace element abundances are close to those of the high-Mg andesite (HMA) of the Setouchi volcanic rocks. The compositional range of microcrystals of chromian spinel within hydrous mafic mineral aggregates is similar to those of included in olivine or orthopyroxene phenocrysts of the Setouchi HMA. These geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of the igneous enclaves suggest the activity of HMA magma closely in space-time with the intrusion of the Dorogawa pluton.

We determined chlorine contents in nine GSJ (Geological Survey of Japan) reference materials (JB-1, 1a, 2, 3; JA-1, 2, 3; JR-1, 2) by prompt gamma neutron activation analysis, employing the standard addition method. Pressed powder disks of each reference material were used for neutron irradiation and gammaray measurement, after known quantities (25-200 μl) of sodium chloride solution were added. The influence of the nearby sodium peak overlap was checked, and fluctuations in the chlorine count rate were corrected using silicon as an internal standard. The slopes of calibration lines for seven reference materials (JB-1, 2, 3; JA-1, 2, 3; JR-2) and SiO2 powders fall within 5% error, and their chlorine values were obtained from the intercepts. Chlorine contents in JB-1 a and JR-1 were also determined by using the calibration lines. Our chlorine values ranged from 26.1 to 934 μg g-1, which agrees well with the previously reported values. Nous avons determine les concentrations en chlore dans neuf materiaux geologiques de reference du Service Geologique du Japon (JB- 1, 1 a, 2, 3; JA- 1, 2, 3; JR-1, 2), par analyse par activation neutronique et gammas rapides avec la methode d'addition de standard. Des disques de poudre pressee de chaque materiau de reference ont ete utilises pour l'irradiation par neutrons puis l'analyse des rayonnements-gamma apres que des quantites connues (25-200 μl) de solution de chlorure de sodium aient ete ajoutees. L'influence sur le chlore du pic du sodium voisin etait suivie et les fluctuations du taux de comptage du chlore etaient corrigees en utilisant la silice comme standard interne. Les pentes des droites de calibration pour sept materiaux de reference (JB- h 2, 3; JA- h 2, 3; JR-2) et poudres de silice ont des erreurs inferieures a 5% et les valeurs de chlore ont ete determinees par leurs interceptes. Les teneurs en Chlore de JB- 1a et JR- 1 ont ete aussi determinees en utilisant les droites de calibration. Nos donnees de chlore varient de 26.1 a 934 μg g-1 ce qui est en accord avec les valeurs publiees precedemment.

The concentrations of all rare earth elements (REE: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu) in silicate glass, apatite and zircon were measured by an ion microprobe method with a high mass resolving power of 9300 at 1% peak height. Observed contents of REE in apatite extracted from a dacite agree well with those measured by the isotope dilution-thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS) method within 30% error at 2σ. The contents of heavy REE in several zircons are consistent with those measured by ID-TIMS and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), while the light REE abundances are significantly lower by ion microprobe than by the other methods. The discrepancy is partly due to the presence of 1–5-μm inclusions of apatites within zircon crystals. Secondary ion yields of REE observed in a silicate glass show a very similar trend to those in apatite and zircon. Since the chemical composition of the silicate glass is appreciably different from the apatite and zircon, relative secondary ion yields of REE are probably independent from matrix effect, which is the most important finding of this work. Calculated partition coefficients of REE between melt and apatite agree well with reported values while the coefficients between melt and zircon are discrepant from those in literature. The REE coefficients in zircon increase with increase of the ionic radius logarithmically, suggesting power law dependence of the coefficients.

EARTHQUAKE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO, TOKYO 113-0032, JAPAN INSTITUTE FOR GEOTHERMAL SCIENCES, KYOTO UNIVERSITY, NOGUCHIBARU, BEPPU 874-0903, JAPAN PLOT NO. 89, FRIENDS HOUSING SOCIETY LAYOUT-4, DEENDAYALNAGAR, NAGPUR 400 022, INDIA FACULTY OF GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, RISSHO UNIVERSITY, KUMAGAYA 360-0194, JAPAN DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SCIENCES, NIHON UNIVERSITY, TOKYO 156-0045, JAPAN

Mantle wedge below the Northeast Japan arc contains hydrous fluids that dehydrated from two parts of the descending slab: a sediment layer and an altered oceanic crust (AOC). In order to estimate the weight percent of a sediment-derived fluid in the mantle wedge, we determine boron and other element contents of Japan Trench sediments and Iwate basaltic lavas on the Northeast Japan volcanic front. Trace element contents of the trench sediments are used to estimate those of the sediment-derived fluid, and previously reported trace element contents of the AOC are used to estimate those of the AOC-derived fluid. Examination of mobile/immobile element ratios (B/Sm, Ba/Sm, K2O/Sm, B/Zr, Ba/Zr, K2O/Zr) of the two slab-derived fluids and Iwate basaltic lavas, indicates a mixing ratio between the AOC-derived fluid and the sediment-derived fluid is 90:10 in the mantle wedge beneath the Northeastern Japan arc. The mobile/immobile element ratios also suggest that the subducted sediment recycle to the mantle wedge beneath Northeast Japan as sediment-fluid rather than sediment-melt. Since the weight fraction of the total slab-derived fluid in the mantle wedge is estimated to be less than 1 wt%, an addition of a small amount (

Antarctic micrometeorites (AMMs) were found among the precipitated fine particles recovered from a water tank in the Dome Fuji Station. These AMMs had been contained in the recent fallen snow around the station. Initial processing of the precipitated particles revealed that they were dominated by natural and artificial terrestrial materials, thus a series of processes were developed to separate AMMs from terrestrial particles. The recovery rate of AMMs by the processes was approximately 45% in weight, which was determined from a weight ratio of recovered/accreted AMMs. The micro-morphology and major-element concentration of the recovered AMMs were characterized. They appear to have been heated upon atmospheric entry to varying temperatures and can be classified into two major types based on the degree of heating : (1) fine-grained, irregular-shaped, partial-melted micrometeorites with chondritic composition, and (2) total-melted spherical micrometeorites with chondritic composition except for volatile elements. A digital catalog for the AMMs identified in this study was established on the web site [URL : http : //dust. cc. gakushuin. ac. jp/], in which optical characteristics, high-resolution images, and chemical compositions of individual AMMs are presented. The AMMs listed in the catalog are the first Japanese collection of extraterrestrial dust. The criterion and techniques developed for the selection and initial analysis of AMMs are applicable for the dust samples that are being collected by the 39th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition team.

Nineteen high peaks of non-sea-salt sulfate (nssSO42-) which exceeded summer peaks of marine biogenic SO42- (background SO42-) were found in an ice core from site H15 (69°05'S, 40°47'E) in Mizuho Plateau, East Antarctica, which covers the last 300 years. Eleven peaks among them were ascribed to explosive volcanic eruptions on the basis of ages estimated by counting acidity-induced summer peaks of electrical conductivity. The major volcanic signals originating from the following volcanic eruptions are key beds for dating of ice cores from East Antarctica: El Chichon in 1982, Nilahue in 1955, Cerro Azul in 1932, Manam and Kelut in 1919, Deception Island in 1912, Tarawera in 1886, Krakatau in 1883, Cosiguina in 1835, Galunggung in 1822, Tambora in 1815 and an unknown volcano in 1809.

即発γ線分析装置を用いて火山岩試料中のホウ素を短い装置使用時間で正確に定量する方法を検討した。ドップラー効果により台形型になったホウ素ピークの妨害となるナトリウムピークの除去方法を検討し, この影響はホウ素ピークの右半分を使えば避けることができることを明らかにした。火山岩中のホウ素の定量の際には試料の大きさの違いによりホウ素のγ線強度 (cps/g) は変化することを示し, この変動をケイ素を用いた内部標準法で補正できることを提案した。以上の分析方法を用いて地質調査所の火山岩標準試料中のホウ素含有量の定量を数回行ったところ, 再現性はよく, 各測定結果は9%以内で一致した。また今回求めたホウ素含有量は推奨値と一致した。

Autoantibody against interferon-γ has recently been associated with a variety of opportunistic infections, particularly among Asians. We report the case of a 64-year-old Japanese woman who suffered from concomitant or sequential infections of the skin, lungs, bronchi, uterus, and bladder with nontuberculous mycobacteriosis, cerebellar toxoplasmosis, measles,herpes zoster, and vulvar herpes. Blood mononuclear cells from the patient displayed intact cytokine production in response to various stimuli and interferon-γ. High-titer anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies were detected in her serum. The atypical pathology hampered early diagnosis, but indeterminate results of an interferon-γ release assay could offer a simple clue suggesting the presence of autoantibody.

Two closely-spaced peaks of electrical conductivity were found at depths between 45 and 50m of the 120-m long ice core drilled at site H 15 in Antarctica by the 32nd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition in 1991. Chemical analysis of the core containing these peaks revealed that the ice layers were characterized by high acidity and high sulfate concentration suggesting volcanic signals. In order to identify these characteristics, the core was dated using two methods : (1) counting the number of high electrical conductivity peaks resulting from seasonal variations of SO_4^ and NO_3^-, and (2) an empirical model of firn densification. The dating results suggest that the high conductivity is related to deposition of acidic aerosols from the volcanic eruptions of Tambora in 1815 A. D. and of an unknown volcano in 1809 A. D.

It is essential that we know the real situation of at-home patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in order to improve their medical support system. We indirectly investigated the daily living status of ALS patients and their families at home by conducting on individual questionnaires survey for nurses working at public health centers in Aichi prefecture, Japan. Detailed information about 136 cases was obtained, and we could clarify the need for variety of communication methods, plasticity of medical interrelations and care between neurologists and home doctors, incomplete utilization of social resources including various official support, overwork among single caregivers, and underdeveloped immature individual medical care support programs for them. Thus it might be important that we should promote the sure utilization of social resources and programming the individual medical care support in their earlier stages. And moreover, we should also consider constructing a general support system for at-home patients with ALS, in which each professional would owe the dividing responsibility, without role duplications. These strategies would lead to overall the better quality of life among ALS patients, and their families.

Mutations of the voltage gated sodium channel gene (SCN4A) are responsible for non-dystrophic myotonia including hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, paramyotonia congenita, and sodium channel myotonia, as well as congenital myasthenic syndrome. In vitro functional analyses have demonstrated the non-dystrophic mutants to show a gain-of-function defect of the channel; a disruption of fast inactivation, an enhancement of activation, or both, while the myasthenic mutation presents a loss-of function defect. This report presents a case of non-dystrophic myotonia that is incidentally accompanied with acquired myasthenia. The patient presented a marked warm-up phenomenon of myotonia but the repeated short exercise test suggested mutations of the sodium channel. The genetic analysis identified a novel mutation, G1292D, of SCN4A. A functional study of the mutant channel revealed marked enhancement of activation and slight impairment of fast inactivation, which should induce muscle hyperexcitability. The effects of the alteration of channel function to the myasthenic symptoms were explored by using stimulation of repetitive depolarization pulses. A use-dependent channel inactivation was reduced in the mutant in comparison to normal channel, thus suggesting an opposing effect to myasthenia.

Three Antarctic primitive achondrites, Yamato (Y)-74025,-75300,and -75305 were mineralogically and chemically studied. They consist of anhedral to subhedral silicate and opaque minerals. The major constituent minerals are typical of equilibrated ordinary chondrites. However, they do not have any relic of chondrule, and the presence of various accessory minerals, such as K-feldspar, schreibersite, daubreelite, phosphate, Nb-bearing rutile, and magnesiochromite, characterizes these meteorites. Y-75305 has a composite grain containing Cu, Mn, and S, probably consisting of alabandite, an unknown Mn-bearing Cu-sulfide, and digenite. Y-74025 has a REE pattern typical of chondrite. Siderophile elements in Y-74025 are depleted relative to Cl chondrites, which is consistent with poor abundance of Fe-Ni metal in Y-74025. Holocrystalline texture, homogeneous mineral compositions, and high equilibration temperatures for pyroxenes, suggest that these primitive achondrites experienced high-temperature metamorphism. Mineralogical and chemical characteristics suggest that they resemble Winona-like meteorites (winonaites). The compositions of pyroxene and olivine, and accessory minerals suggest that winonaites formed under an intermediate redox condition between E-chondrites and Acapulco-like primitive achondrites. The abundance of troilite and Fe-Ni metal varies widely. The metal-sulfide fractions of winonaites probably melted and fractionated, although silicate fractions of winonaites do not have any evidence for melting.

[1] Boron, Cl, Ti, K, Sm, and Gd concentrations of oceanic crust samples were determined by prompt gamma neutron activation analysis. The samples include 63 basalts and 5 gabbros obtained at various depths (369–1503 m below seafloor) from Hole 1256D during Ocean Drilling Program Leg 206 and Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 309 and 312. The results show stepwise downhole variations, B content and B/K decrease, and Cl content and Cl/K increase with increasing depth. High B content (>1.5 ppm) in shallower rocks (extrusive lavas) is probably achieved by low-temperature seawater alteration, and high Cl contents (up to 1400 ppm) in the deeper rocks (plutonic section) would show result of high-temperature hydrothermal alteration. Average B and Cl values for the upper oceanic crust in Hole 1256D are 1.5 ppm and 334 ppm, respectively.

58歳,女性.緩徐進行性の歩行障害.高度の変形性頸椎症と脊柱管狭窄,頸髄MRIでT2高信号変化より頸椎症性頸髄症を疑ったが,胸部X線で肺門部拡大あり.他のサルコイドーシス(サ症)の身体・血清学的所見は陰性.しかし縦隔内リンパ節生検でサ症を確認.診断治療を目的に副腎皮質ステロイドを投与し,神経・画像所見は寛解した.頸椎症性頸髄病変の存在例に一つでもサ症の所見が陽性時は,サ症の内科的治療を優先すべき点を強調した.

Clayton et al. (1976, 1982) established that equilibrated ordinary chondrites (EOC's) can be divided into the H- and L-groups on the basis of their oxygen isotopic composition. The present investigation is concerned with new oxygen isotopic analyses of petrologically well-characterized individual chondrules from the unequilibrated chondrites Dhajala (H3,4), Hallingeberg (L3), and Semarkona (LL3). A study is conducted regarding the implications of isotopic/petrologial correlations for the origin of chondrules in ordinary chondrites. It is found that the oxygen isotopic heterogeneities among chondrules are reminiscent of the bulk elemental and phase compositional heterogeneities among the same and other chondrules as reported by Gooding et al. (1979, 1980). It is concluded that chondrules formed possibly as a result of the melting of preexisting materials which were both chemically and isotopically heterogeneous.

Abundances of 16 trace elements including rare earths are determined by the instrumental neutron activation analysis for the Quaternary volcanic rocks of central Honshu, Japan. There is no systematic lateral variation along the Norikura volcanic chain except for the older part of Ontake volcano and Ueno volcano. The across-arc variation along the transverse through Yatsugatake-Norikura-Hakusan volcanoes does not reveal a regular increase in the incompatible element abundances away from the volcanic front. Based on the incompatible element abundances normalized to SiO2 = 50%, volcanoes in central Honshu are grouped into three, that is, Myoko and Kurohime (MK & KH), Yatsugatake (YT) and Norikura volcanic chain and Hakusan (NVC & HK) in increasing order. This variation can be explained by the difference in degree of partial melting and of the local enrichment of K and Rb in Myoko and Kurohime volcanoes.

The abundances of 16 major, minor, and trace elements (Fe, Na, Cr, Co, Sr, Ba, Sc, La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Hf and Ta) in two matrices, one fusion crust, 10 igneous clast samples of ALH-77302 polymict eucrite have been determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The abundances of 14 minor and trace elements (K, Rb, Sr, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb and Lu) in a matrix sample of ALH-77302 have been also determined by mass spectrometric isotope dilution method. The chondritic normalized REE patterns of the matrices, fusion crust, and igneous clasts are similar to those of known non-cumulative eucrites. The La abundances in the clasts range from the lowest La abundance in the previously reported non-cumulative eucrites to the highest one. The chemical features of the ALH-77302 polymict eucrite have been discussed in more detail.

Bulk abundances of Na, Mg, Al, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Ir, and Au were analyzed by neutron activation of chondrules separated from unequilibrated H, L, and LL chondrites and correlated with petrographic properties. The geometric mean composition of the whole-rock chondrule suites are almost indistinguishable from each other for many elements; chondrules are enriched in lithophile and depleted in siderophile elements in a pattern consistent with chondrule formation by melting of preexistent materials. The porphyritic chondrules are more enriched in refractory and siderophile elements as compared with the nonporphyrytic chondrules, indicating that these two chondrule groups may have formed from different precursors.

Concentrations of uranium, and concentrations and isotopic ratios of thorium in zircon and glass were determined for pyroclastic dacite pumices in southern Kyushu, Japan, and lo-ages were calculated. Uranium and thorium distributions in other minerals were also determined. Uranium and thorium contents of minerals were highest for zircon and decreased in the order, zircon-apatite-glass-mafic minerals-plagioclase. Zircons showed the highest U/Th activity ratios compared with other minerals. Io-ages obtained by glass-zircon pair for pyroclastic flows in southern Kyushu, except for Ata pyroclastic flow were consistent with 14C and fission track ages and the stratigraphic sequence. Comparison of uranium and thorium concentrations in mineral constituents of acidic volcanic rocks showed that the glass-zircon pair is the most preferable for ionium dating.

Io-ages obtained for glass-zircon pairs which were not consistent with expected ages were discussed on the basis of uranium and thorium distribution between zircon and glass. Uranium and thorium distribution between zircon and host rocks from dacites and granites were also discussed. Discordant Io-ages obtained for glass-zircon pairs with normal (Th/U)zircon/(Th/U)glass ratio are explained by early stage crysallization of the zircon in the magma. Discordant Io-ages with abnormal (Th/U)zircon/(Th/U)glass ratios suggest that the zircon was captured in the magma as xenoryst. The discrepancy between (Th/U)zircon/(Th/U)glass ratios (about 0.19) for dacites and (Th/U)zircon/(Th/U)whole rock ratios (about 0.12) for granites could be explained by crystallization of granitic zircon from liquid having chemical composition different from that of the whole rock of granite.

The complement system in vertebrates plays an important role in host defense against and clearance of invading microbes, in which complement component C3 plays an essential role in the opsonization of pathogens, whereas the molecular mechanism underlying C3 activation in invertebrates remains unknown. In an effort to understand the molecular activation mechanism of invertebrate C3, we isolated and characterized an ortholog of C3 (designated TtC3) from the horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus. Flow cytometric analysis using an Ab against TtC3 revealed that the horseshoe crab complement system opsonizes both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Evaluation of the ability of various pathogen-associated molecular patterns to promote the proteolytic conversion of TtC3 to TtC3b in hemocyanin-depleted plasma indicated that LPS, but not zymosan, peptidoglycan, or laminarin, strongly induces this conversion, highlighting the selective response of the complement system to LPS stimulation. Although originally characterized as an LPS-sensitive initiator of hemolymph coagulation stored within hemocytes, we identified factor C in hemolymph plasma. An anti-factor C Ab inhibited various LPS-induced phenomena, including plasma amidase activity, the proteolytic activation of TtC3, and the deposition of TtC3b on the surface of Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, activated factor C present on the surface of Gram-negative bacteria directly catalyzed the proteolytic conversion of the purified TtC3, thereby promoting TtC3b deposition. We conclude that factor C acts as an LPS-responsive C3 convertase on the surface of invading Gram-negative bacteria in the initial phase of horseshoe crab complement activation.